This season, it is difficult for Man United to return to the top five, especially since it is impossible to reach the top four with points behind and Man United's unstable performance is getting worse. However, Erik Tan Hag still has time to improve it in the second half of the season. Erik Tan Hag has indeed failed to make Man United improve, but he must prove he can handle it in the remainder of this season. Man United must catch up with 8 points behind Totteham.
That is a very big difference and I am not sure that the team that is above Manchester United will continue to decline in the next match. I mean the competition will be very competitive considering the difference is also quite small for the top teams, so I'm not surprised it will be very difficult for the Red Devils. Erik ten hag faces challenges that are not easy this season and he must continue his work so as not to be fired by club management.
I may not be as optimistic as you, but I think Manchester United will still finish in the middle of the table with the current situation. I also don't think that Erik Ten Hag will bring Manchester United back to good form at the end of the season. Especially if they are against a weak team, they are always doubtful about winning.